Convertible Pet Carrying and Backpacking Backpack

ABSTRACT

A convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack comprises a backpack body defining one or more internal compartments and an open top operable to allow a head of a pet to extend therethrough. The backpack body further comprises shoulder straps extending from a front of the backpack body, and paw holes disposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps. The paw holes are operable to allow paws of the pet to extend therethrough. The backpack can further comprise an accessory bag operable to selectively attach to and detach from the backpack body at a first position where the accessory bag extends from a back of the backpack body so that the backpack is in a pet carrying configuration, and a second position where the accessory bag covers the open top of the backpack body so that the backpack is in a backpacking configuration.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to backpacks. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to backpacks that areconvertible from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack.

Many people enjoy keeping pets for the companionship, help, and/orfriendship that they provide. Pets, of course, require substantial timeand care from their owners to ensure that they are well cared for.Sometimes, pet owners would like to travel, hike, or participate inother activities which their pets are not capable of due to the pet'ssize, age, or various health issues. Many pet owners also prefer not toleave their pets in the care of friends or commercial pet carefacilities while participating in such activities. Accordingly, such petowners are in need of a solution that allows them to participate inactivities they find enjoyable while being able to bring along their petcompanions that may not otherwise be capable of joining with them.

Solutions for bringing pets along on such activities have been developedsuch as those set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 10,617,096 which issued on Apr.14, 2020, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/008,479, thecontents each of which are incorporated by reference in their entiretyherein. It is advantageous, such as for cost savings, for a user whopurchases a pet carrying backpack to be able to use the backpack forother purposes to avoid the need for purchasing multiple backpacks fordifferent applications and activities.

SUMMARY

It has been thus recognized that it would be advantageous to develop apet carrying backpack that is convertible to a backpacking backpack toallow for uses in other application and activities. This allows a userto avoid the need for purchasing multiple different backpacks forspecific applications.

The disclosure sets forth a backpack that is convertible from a petcarrying backpack to a backpacking backpack and a method for convertingthe backpack. A pet-carrying backpack as described herein in a backpackconfigured to carry an animal such as a dog or cat that people generallykeep as pets. A backpacking backpack refers to a backpack that isconfigured to carry gear or other items other than an animal. The termbackpacking backpack does not necessarily mean the backpack is onlyuseful for backpacking, but is used to denote a backpack for use incarrying gear or other items other than a pet.

In one example, a convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpackcomprises a backpack body defining one or more internal compartments andan open top operable to allow a head of a pet to extend therethrough.The backpack body further comprises shoulder straps extending from afront of the backpack body, and paw holes disposed on the front of thebackpack body above the shoulder straps. The paw holes are operable toallow paws of the pet to extend therethrough.

The backpack can further comprise an accessory bag operable in a firstposition where the clip-on bag extends from a back of the backpack bodyso that the backpack is in a pet carrying configuration, and a secondposition where the accessory bag covers the open top of the backpackbody so that the backpack is in a backpacking configuration.

In one example, the accessory bag comprises a clip-on bag that comprisesupper attachment straps and lower attachment straps operable toselectively attach the clip-on bag and detach the clip-on bag from thebackpack body. The backpack can comprise conversion guide loops disposedon the backpack body. The upper attachment straps of the clip-on bag canextend through the conversion guide loops so that the clip-on bag isoriented in the second position. The conversion guide loops can bedisposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps andbelow the paw holes. In the second position, the clip-on bag covers thepaw holes preventing water from entering the one or more internalcompartments through the open top and the paw holes.

The backpack can further comprise waist straps operable to transferweight of the backpack to the waist or hips of a user. The backpack canalso comprise a waste bag dispenser that has a bag container sized andconfigured to receive and store one or more waste bags, a recloseableopening in communication with the bag container to facilitate loadingand unloading of the one or more waste bags into and out of the bagcontainer, and an outlet in communication with the bag container forfacilitating the dispensing of the one or more waste bags from the bagcontainer. The outlet can comprise a grommet, and the grommet can haveone or more resilient flaps that function to impart a clamping force toa waste bag being dispensed through the grommet.

In another example, a pet carrying backpack can comprise a backpack bodydefining one or more internal compartments and an open top operable toallow a head of a pet to extend therethrough. The backpack can furthercomprise shoulder straps extending from a front of the backpack body,and paw holes disposed on the front of the backpack body above theshoulder straps. The paw holes are operable to allow paws of the pet toextend therethrough. The backpack can further comprise a waste bagdispenser having an outlet operable to facilitate a waste bag disposedin the waste bag dispenser being removed from the waste bag dispenserthrough the outlet.

The backpack can comprise waist straps extending from the backpack body.The waist straps are operable to transfer weight of the backpack to thewaist or hips of a user. The waste bag dispenser can be disposed on thewaist straps.

The backpack can comprise a removable hood operable to attach to anddetach from the backpack body to protect the head of the pet extendingtherethrough. The shoulder straps can be vertically adjustable along thefront of the backpack body. The backpack can comprise a vertical zipperextending along a back of the backpack body to facilitate ingress andegress of the pet to and from the backpack. A contouring strap canextend across the vertical zipper.

The disclosure further sets forth a method of converting a pet carryingbackpack to a backpacking backpack. The method can comprise positioninga clip-on bag from a first position disposed at a rear of a backpackbody and placing the clip-on bag in a second position disposed over anopen top of the backpack body. The clip-on bag in the second positioncan cover the open top and paw holes disposed on a front of the backpackbody above shoulder straps extending from the front of the backpackbody. The clip-on bag can prevent water from entering the open top andthe paw holes while in the second position. The method further comprisessecuring the clip-on bag in the second position.

The clip-on bag can be removed from the first position by unclippingattachment straps of the clip-on bag from corresponding receiving clipsdisposed on the backpack body. The clip-on bag can be placed in thesecond position by feeding the attachment straps of the clip-on bagthrough conversion guide loops disposed on the front of the backpackbody above the shoulder straps and below the paw holes. The clip-on bagis secured in the second position by attaching the attachment straps tothe corresponding receiving clips while the attachment straps aredisposed through the conversion guide loops.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear, right isometric view of a convertible pet carrying andbackpacking backpack in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention:

FIG. 2 is a front view of the convertible pet carrying and backpackingbackpack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right-side view of the convertible pet carrying andbackpacking backpack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the convertible pet carrying andbackpacking backpack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear, right isometric view of the convertible pet carryingand backpacking backpack of FIG. 1 showing an accessory clip-on bagattached thereto,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a top portion of the convertible petcarrying and backpacking backpack of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the top portion of the convertible petcarrying and backpacking backpack of FIG. 1 with the clip-on bag beingpositioned to convert the backpack from a pet carrying backpack to abackpacking backpack;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the convertible pet carrying and backpackingbackpack of FIG. 1 showing the clip-on bag in position to convert thebackpack from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack; and

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the convertible pet carrying and backpackingbackpack of FIG. 1 showing the clip-on bag in position to convert thebackpack from a pet carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, a convertible pet carrying and backpackingbackpack, indicated generally as backpack 100, in an exampleimplementation is provided. The backpack 100 shown in the figures ismerely one example of a backpack that can be converted from apet-carrying backpack to a backpacking backpack in accordance with thetechnology discussed herein, and is not intended to be limiting in anyway as other designs and configurations of backpacks can be utilized.The backpack 100 comprises a backpack body 102 that defines one or moreinterior compartments. The backpack body 102 can comprise a front panel104, a rear panel 106, side panels 108 disposed between the front andrear panels, and a bottom panel 110 connecting to each of the front,rear, and side panels 104, 106, 108, respectively. These panels 104,106, 108, 110 can be formed separately and can be attached or assembledtogether (such as by sewing, fabric welding, adhesives, etc.). One ormore of the panels 104, 106, 108, 110 can also be formed integrally(e.g. out of a single piece of material manufactured to form thepanels). The fabric used to form the panels 104, 106, 108, 110 cancomprise any suitable material providing sufficient durability andcomfort to a user and to a pet.

In one example, the backpack body 102 can comprise an internal frame(not shown). The internal frame can provide rigidity and support to thebackpack 100 to provide comfort to the user and to a pet riding in thebackpack 100. The internal frame can provide a structure to the backpacksuch that one or more the panels 104, 106, 108, 110 does not collapse inon itself. In one aspect, the internal frame can provide structurewithin at least the front panel 104 of the backpack 100. The internalframe can be configured in any number of ways to provide support to anycombination of the front, rear, and side panels 104, 106, 108,respectively. In another example, the backpack body 102 can be devoid ofan internal frame, such as in those cases where the backpack 100 issmaller in size (e.g., those used to accommodate smaller pets) than itslarger counterparts (e.g., those designed to accommodate comparativelylarger pets). In still another example, the backpack 100, andparticularly one or more components (e.g., front, rear, and side panels104, 106, 108, respectively) of the backpack body 102, can comprise oneor more external stays or other rigid or flexible support membersconfigured to provide support to the backpack body 102. These externalstays can be fixed or releasably coupled to the backpack body 102, androuted along various paths to provide the necessary or desired supportto the backpack body 102.

The backpack body 102 can comprise a top portion 112 operable to allow ahead of the pet to protrude therethrough. The top portion 112 can bedefined by a top portion of each of the front panel 104, the rear panel106 and side panels 108, or the top portion 112 can be defined byseparate panels formed as part of the front panel 104, the rear panel106, and side panels 108. The top portion 112 can comprise a collar 114.The collar 114 is operable to fit around and surround the neck of thepet within the backpack 100 upon the pet extending its head through thetop portion 112, and can be made to be adjustable so as to provide adesired fit that is the most appropriate and comfortable for the pet.The collar 114 defines an open top 116 through which the pet's headextends. The open top 116 facilitates a comfortable viewing position forthe pet during use of the backpack 100 as a pet carrier.

In some examples, the backpack 100 can comprise a hood 118 that can beattached to the top portion 112 of the backpack 100. The hood 118 isoperable to protect a pet from precipitation such as rain or snow, toprovide warmth to the pet, and/or to shade the pet from the sun. In someexamples, the hood 118 can comprise an elastic adjustment cord and stop120 to help form the hood 118 around the pet's head. The hood 118 canalso comprise a chin strap 122. The chin strap 122 is operable to helpsecure the hood 118 over a pet's head and to facilitate adjustment ofthe hood 118 around the pet's head.

The hood 118 may be selectively attachable and detachable from thebackpack body 102. In one example, the hood 118 can comprise one or moresnaps (e.g., see snap 124) to facilitate attachment of the hood 118 tothe backpack body 102. Other attachment mechanisms could also be usedincluding a zipper, clips, buttons, etc. The hood 118 can be formed ofany suitable material and can be configured to be water resistant.

The backpack body 102 is configured to facilitate efficient ingress of apet into the backpack 100, as well as efficient easy egress of the petout of the backpack 100. To facilitate this, the backpack body 102 cancomprise a vertical zipper 126 or other fasteners (e.g., snaps) orfastening mechanisms (e.g., plastic zip-type fastening mechanism). Thevertical zipper 126 can extend vertically at least partially along therear panel 106 of the backpack body 102. The vertical zipper 126 allowsthe rear panel 102 to at least partially separate and open to provide alarger opening through which a pet can be passed to facilitate moreefficient insertion of the pet into and removal of the pet from thebackpack 100 as compared with the rear panel 106 not having a zipper126. The vertical zipper 126 can extend along a majority of the lengthof the rear panel 104. Where there are multiple internal compartmentsdefined in the backpack body 102, the vertical zipper 126 can extendalong an entire length or substantially the entire length of a petcompartment 140 (i.e. a compartment operable to carry the pet) definedin the backpack body 102.

To provide added support and comfort for a pet within the backpack 100,the backpack body 102 can comprise an upper contouring strap 128 a and alower contouring strap 128 b. The upper and lower contouring straps 128a, 128 b are operable to shape the backpack body 102 to conform to a petor other items contained therein. The upper and lower contouring straps128 a, 128 b each comprise ends that can be secured to respective sidepanels, such that the upper and lower contouring straps 128 a, 128 bspan or are disposed across the rear panel 106 in this example. Sopositioned, the upper and lower contouring straps 128 a, 128 b canadditionally provide support to a lumbar region of the pet that is beingcarried within the backpack 100. Advantageously, the upper and lowercontouring straps 128 a, 128 b are sized and configured to cross overthe vertical zipper 126. In this example, the upper and lower contouringstraps 128 a, 128 b are oriented substantially horizontally (as viewedin the drawings), or stated differently, substantially perpendicular tothe vertical zipper 126. The upper and lower contouring straps 128 a,128 b thus oriented, and upon being suitably adjusted, are operable tobear at least some of the loads imparted to the backpack 100 upon beingloaded (e.g., with a pet and/or other items), which can function torelieve, to some degree, the loading and pressure placed on the rearpanel 106 and the vertical zipper 126. This increases the safety anddurability of the backpack 100.

In some embodiments, the backpack 100 can comprise a patch receivingarea 130 disposed on the backpack body 102 configured to receive,support, and outwardly display a patch or other indicia-bearing object.In this example, the patch receiving area 130 is disposed on the rearpanel 104 of the backpack body 102. The patch receiving area 130 cancomprise one side of a hook and loop fastener to receive and secure apatch that comprises the other side of the hook and loop fastener. Otherattachment mechanisms for receiving patches such as snaps, buttons,reusable adhesives, or the like can also be used.

The backpack body 102 can comprise additional contouring straps to helpshape the backpack body 102 to support and conform to items to becarried within the backpack 100. In one example, the backpack body 102comprises side contouring straps 132 disposed on and/or extending overside panels 108 of the backpack body 100. The side contouring straps 132can be oriented at an oblique angle (i.e. at an orientation that isneither vertical nor horizontal) relative to the front panel 104 asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This placement position and orientation allowsthe backpack body 102 to be contoured in a different direction thanprovided by the upper and lower contouring straps 128 a. 128 b, andprovides further support and comfort to a pet or other items beingcarried in the backpack 100.

The backpack 100 can further comprise one or more side pockets (e.g.,see side pockets 134) disposed over the side panels 108, respectively.The side pockets 134 can be comprised of a mesh or any other type ofmaterial and can provide accessible storage for a user, such as to storebottles or other items within easy reach.

The side panels 108 can comprise one or more ventilation ports. In theexample shown, the side panels 108 can comprise a single ventilationport 136 controlled by a zipper or other fastening mechanism. Whenopened, the side ventilation port 136 allows air flow into the petcompartment 140. Advantageously, when the side pockets 134 are formedfrom a mesh material, the side pockets 134 do not significantly inhibitor restrict air flow able to flow into the pet compartment 140 allowingfor enhanced ventilation. In some examples, the side ventilation ports136 can be configured to port air directly into the pet compartment 140.In some examples, the side ventilation ports 136 can further comprise amesh layer that is formed as a part of the side panels 108, and that isexposed upon actuating the zipper controlling the ventilation port.

In some examples, the backpack body 102 can define multiplecompartments. For example, the backpack body 102 can comprise a lowercompartment accessible by an access zipper 142. The lower compartment isdisposed below the pet carrying compartment 140. The pet carryingcompartment 140 and the lower compartment 138 can be separated by a petcarrying platform on which the pet sits within the pet carryingcompartment 140. In some examples the size of the lower compartment 138and the pet carrying compartment 140 can be based on the size of pet tobe carried in the pet carrying compartment 140. When a small pet is tobe carried in the pet carrying compartment 140, the pet carryingcompartment 140 can be relatively smaller and the lower compartment 138can be relatively larger. For a backpack 100 configured for smaller petthat has a smaller pet carrying compartment 140, the pet carryingplatform can be disposed higher within the backpack body 102 as comparedto a backpack 100 configured for a larger pet that has a larger petcarrying compartment 140. Similarly, for a larger pet to be carriedwithin the pet carrying compartment, the pet carrying platform can bedisposed lower within the backpack body 102 resulting in a relativelysmaller lower compartment 138. For very large pets, the lowercompartment 138 can be omitted and the backpack body 102 can comprisejust the pet-carrying compartment 140 where the bottom panel 110comprises the pet carrying platform.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom panel 110 of the backpack body 100can be angled so as to create an acute angle with respect to the frontpanel 104 of the backpack body 102. The pet carrying platform definingthe separation between the pet carrying compartment 140 and the lowercompartment 138 can be configured to be parallel to the bottom panel110. The acute angle of the bottom panel 110 and the pet carryingplatform can provide added comfort to the pet by keeping the weight ofthe pet close to a user. Further, in the event that a user wears thebackpack 100 too loosely, causing the backpack 100 to sag, the angledpet carrying platform can remain at least level so that the weight ofthe pet does not tend to fall away from the user. The angle created bythe bottom panel 110 and a line perpendicular to the front panel 104 canbe between 10 and 40 degrees.

The backpack body 102 further comprises shoulder straps 144 extendingfrom the front panel 104 of the backpack body. The shoulder straps 144are operable to be worn by the user to carry the backpack 100. Theshoulder straps can be adjustable via upper adjustment straps 146 andtightening straps 152. The upper adjustment straps 146 and tighteningstraps 152 allow the user to fit the shoulder straps comfortably andsecurely. The shoulder straps 144 can include padding to provide acomfortable fit to the user.

In some examples, the shoulder straps 144 are adjustable verticallyalong the front panel 104 of the backpack body 102. For example, theshoulder straps 144 can comprise a floating strap attachment 148 thatallows the top of the shoulder straps 144 to be attached at differentheights to the front panel 104 of the backpack body 102. This furtheraids the user in finding a comfortable and secure fit of the shoulderstraps 144. The backpack 100 can further comprise a sternum strap 150that are operable to keep the shoulder straps 144 from separating duringuse, providing further comfort and security to the user. The sternumstrap 150 is connectable via a sternum clip attachment 151.

The front panel 104 can further comprise paw holes 160 disposed in thetop portion 112 of the backpack body 102. The paw holes 160 allow thepaws or legs of the pet to extend therethrough. The paw holes 160 aredisposed on the front panel above the shoulder straps 144. The paw holes160 orient the pet within the backpack 100 to be front facing. That is,facing the same direction as the user wearing the backpack, or facing inthe same direction in which the shoulder straps 144 extend from thefront panel 104. This allows the pet to have a good vantage point toparticipate in a walk, bicycle ride, or other activity with the user.The paw holes 160 can be lined with a resilient liner 162 such asneoprene or polypropylene. The resilient liner 162 reduces any potentialirritation the paw holes 160 might have on the paws or legs of the petin the backpack 100. The paw holes 160 can be formed as slits in thefront panel 104 of the backpack body 102 or can be formed in an almondshape as shown. Other shapes such as an oval shape or circular shape canalso be used.

The backpack 100 can further comprise waist straps 154 extending fromthe backpack body. The waist straps 154 are operable to surround thewaist of the user at or near the hips to transfer weight of the backpack100 to the waist or hips of the user. This increases the ergonomics ofthe backpack 100 and allows the user to comfortably carry heavier loadswith the backpack 100 as compared to a backpack without waist straps.The waist straps 154 are selectively joined together via a waist clipattachment 155.

The waist straps 154 comprise a right-side padded portion 156 and aleft-side padded portion 158. The right and left-side padded portions156, 158 provide comfort and support about a user's hips.

The backpack 100 can further comprise a waste bag dispenser 164 operableto house and dispense waste bags, such as the plastic bags a pet ownercan carry to collect pet waste while out with her or his pet. In oneexample, the waste bag dispenser 164 can be supported about any one of(or both of) the right and left-side padded portions 156, 158 of thewaist straps 154. However, this is not intended to be limiting in anyway as the waste bag dispenser 164 can be located and supported on anypart of the backpack 100. In the example shown, the waste bag dispenser164 can be supported on the right-side padded portion 156, or stateddifferently, the right-side padded portion 156 can comprise the wastebag dispenser 164.

No matter its location, the waste bag dispenser 164 can comprise a bagcontainer sized and configured to receive and store one or more wastebags therein. The waste bag dispenser 164 can further comprise arecloseable opening 166 in communication with the bag container. Therecloseable opening 166 can be openable and closeable via a zipper (orother recloseable mechanism). When open, the recloseable openingprovides access to the bag container of the waste bag dispenser 164 forthe purpose of loading new waste bags into the bag container or removingthe waste bags from the bag container. Once the waste bags are properlyloaded into the bag container, the recloseable opening can be closed tosecure the waste bags inside the bag container.

The waste bag dispenser 164 can further comprise an outlet operable todispense one or more waste bags from the bag container. In one example,as shown, the outlet can comprise a grommet 168 defining an opening incommunication with the bag container and through which the waste bagscan be dispensed. The grommet 168 is operable to dispense a waste bagfrom the bag container of the waste bag dispenser 164 without openingthe recloseable opening 166 via the zipper. Indeed, once loaded into thebag container, a first waste bag can be fed through the grommet asufficient distance so as to be graspable by a user when needed. In oneexample, the grommet can comprise one or more resilient flaps 170 thatfunction to impart a clamping force or resistance to the waste bag as itis removed through the grommet 168. For example the waste bags can bejoined together at perforations. Thus, when the first waste bag isremoved from the waste bag dispenser 164, the resilient flaps 170 canimpart a suitable clamping force to the first waste bag so as to providea resistance to help the user tear the first waste bag currently beingdispensed from a next or second or trailing waste bag at theperforation. Again, the waste bag dispenser 164 is shown in this exampleas being on the right-side padded portion 156 of the waist straps 154,however, the waste bag dispenser 164 can be disposed or supported onother portions of the backpack 100, such as on a shoulder strap 144, aside panel 108, or any other desired portion of the backpack 100.

The left-side padded portion 156 can comprise a waist pocket 172 forcarrying small items that the user can access without removing thebackpack 100. The waist pocket 172 can comprise a waist pocket zipper174 allowing access to the waist pocket 172.

The backpack 100 can comprise accessories that attach to the bag. Anexample accessory is shown with reference to FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, anaccessory bag is shown in the form of a clip-on bag 176 that attaches tothe backpack 100. The clip-on bag 176 provides added storage to thebackpack 100 and, as explained in more detail below, can facilitateconversion of the backpack 100 from a pet carrying backpack to abackpacking backpack. It is noted that while a clip-on bag is shown inthis example, the accessory bag can be attached to the backpack in manyother forms such as via snaps, zippers, button, or other fasteners.

The clip-on bag 176 comprises an access zipper 178 that opens into aclip-on storage compartment 179 defined by the clip-on bag 176. Theclip-on bag 176 can optionally comprise a patch receiving area 180similar to the patch receiving area 130 of the backpack 100. This allowsa user to attach a patch to the patch receiving area 130 when theclip-on bag 176 covers the patch receiving area 130 of the backpack 100.

The clip-on bag 176 comprises an upper attachment strap 182 a and alower attachment strap 182 b. The upper and lower attachment straps 182a, 182 b are operable to selectively attach the clip-on bag 176 to thebackpack 100. To this end, the backpack 100 comprises an upper receivingclip 184 a and a lower receiving clip 184 b that attach to the upper andlower attachment straps 182 a. 182 b respectively. The upper receivingclip 184 a and the lower receiving clip 184 b can each comprise adifferent one of a male and female clip to correspond with a female andmale clip on a respective upper and lower attachment strap 182 a, 182 bto ensure a correct pairing.

With reference to FIGS. 1-9, and as mentioned above, the clip-on bag 176facilitates conversion of the backpack 100 from a pet carrying backpackto a backpacking backpack where the backpack 100 is not intended to beused to carry a pet. The clip-on bag 176 can connect to the backpack 100via the upper and lower attachment straps 182 a, 182 b and the upper andlower receiving clips 184 a, 184 b. With each of the upper and lowerattachment straps 182 a, 182 b extending around the side panels 108 ofthe backpack body 102, the clip-on bag 176 is oriented adjacent to therear panel 106 on a middle to lower half of the backpack body 102. Withthe clip-on bag 176 in this position (a pet-carrying position), thebackpack 100 can be used as a pet-carrying backpack. This is because theclip-on bag 176 is attached to the backpack body 102 such that it doesnot interfere with the open top 116 or paw holes 160 of the backpack 100so that they can be used by the pet being carried in the backpack 100 inthe same manner as if the clip-on bag 176 were not present.

It is advantageous for user to use a backpack (such as backpack 100) formore than just carrying a pet. This way, the user can reduce the numberof backpacks she or he owns by being able to use a single backpack formultiple different applications. However, a pet carrying backpack (suchas backpack 100) has openings to accommodate the pet (such as the opentop 116 and paw holes 160 of the backpack 100). When the pet carryingbackpack is used without a pet, these openings can expose other itemsplaced into the backpack to harsh or undesirable ambient conditions,such as those caused by sun exposure, rain, snow, etc. Moreover, suchopenings can expose the contents of the backpack, such that they arevisible to others and less secure, thus potentially increasing theirchance for theft or tampering. Accordingly to convert a pet carryingbackpack such as backpack 100 to a backpacking backpack for use withouta pet, the openings accommodating the pet should advantageously becovered or substantially covered to protect contents placed into thebackpack from exposure to ambient conditions, as well as to conceal themso that they are out of sight. In this example, the accessory bag shownas clip-on bag 176 is operable to be repositioned on the backpack 100 tocover the open top 116 and the paw holes 160 to allow the backpack 100to be used as a backpacking backpack. To this end, the backpack body 102can comprise conversion guide loops 186. The conversion guide loops 186are disposed on the front panel 104 of the backpack body between theside panels 108 and the paw holes 160. The conversion guide loops 186are disposed above the shoulder straps and adjacent to or below a lowerend of the paw holes 160. The guide loops 186 are configured to receivethe upper attachment straps 182 a of the clip-on bag 176 to orient andposition the clip-on bag 176 to a position to cover the open top 116 andthe paw holes 160 to allow the backpack 100 to function as a backpackingbackpack.

A method for converting the backpack 100 from a pet carryingconfiguration to a backpacking configuration will now be explained withreference to FIGS. 6-9. With the hood 118 (see FIGS. 1-5) removed, thetop portion 112 of the backpack body 100 can be placed into position forconverting the backpack from the pet-carrying configuration to thebackpacking configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, the open top 116 can benarrowed or closed as far as possible by cinching the collar 114 usingthe collar adjustment strap 115. The top portion 112 can then be foldedover away from the front panel 104 to pull the paw holes 160 into theposition shown in FIG. 6. With the top portion 112 prepared as shown inFIG. 6, the upper attachment straps 182 a of the clip-on bag 176 can befed through the conversion guide loops 186, as shown in FIG. 7. Thisorients the upper attachment straps 182 a to be fed from above theshoulder straps 144 and over the top portion 112.

As shown in FIG. 7, with the upper attachment straps 182 of the clip-onbag 176 fed over the top portion 112 and through the conversion guideloops 186. The upper attachment straps 182 a are then connected to thebackpack body 102 via the upper receiving clips 184 a as shown in FIG.8. The upper attachment straps 182 a can then be tightened to pull theclip-on bag 176 into the backpacking position where the clip-on bag 176substantially covers the top portion 112 (including the open top 116 andthe paw holes 160). The lower attachment straps 182 b can then also beconnected to the backpack body 102 via the lower receiving clips 184 bto secure the clip-on bag 176 in place. FIG. 9 shows a rear view of theclip-on bag 176 in the backpacking position disposed at or adjacent tothe top of the backpack body 102. With the clip-on bag 176 in thebackpacking position, the clip-on bag 176 covers the open top 116 andthe paw-holes 160, and prevents water such as in the form or rain orsnow as well as sunlight from entering the backpack 100 through the opentop 116 and the paw holes 160 allowing the backpack 100 to beeffectively used as a backpacking backpack.

To convert the backpack 100 from the backpacking configuration to thepet carrying configuration, the above steps are reversed, and theclip-on bag 176 is reattached to the backpack body 102 in thepet-carrying position.

The above described backpack allows a user to utilize the backpack inmultiple applications with or without a pet. Indeed, in one aspect theuser can carry a pet with the backpack providing the pet a comfortablevantage point during outings. In another aspect, the user can use thebackpack without a pet in the backpacking configuration to transportother items while concealing the items, and protecting the items fromthe elements.

Other variations are can also be included to provide for conversion ofthe backpack from pet carrying configuration to a backpackconfiguration. For example, one or more flaps can be included on thebackpack that are removable or storable on the backpack. The flaps canbe removed or stored in the pet carrying configuration so that the usercan carry a pet while the pet has access to the paw holes and the opentop of the backpack. When the user wishes to convert the backpack to abackpacking configuration, the flaps can be attached or removed from astorage compartment and can extend over the paw holes and the open topto cover the paw holes and the open top. In this configuration the,backpack can be used in the backpacking configuration.

As another example, while the accessory bag described above is removableand attachable, the accessory bag can also be permanently attached tothe backpack. For example, the accessory bag can be attached thebackpack via adjustable straps that can be rerouted without beingdetached to allow the accessory backpack to move from the pet carryingconfiguration to the backpacking configuration.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A convertible pet carrying and backpackingbackpack comprising: a backpack body defining one or more internalcompartments and an open top operable to allow a head of a pet to extendtherethrough; shoulder straps extending from a front of the backpackbody; paw holes disposed on the front of the backpack body above theshoulder straps, the paw holes operable to allow paws of the pet toextend therethrough; and an accessory bag operable in a first positionwhere the accessory bag extends from a back of the backpack body so thatthe backpack is in a pet carrying configuration, and a second positionwhere the accessory bag covers the open top of the backpack body so thatthe backpack is in a backpacking configuration.
 2. The convertible petcarrying and backpacking backpack of claim 1, wherein the accessory bagcomprises a clip-on bag that comprises upper attachment straps and lowerattachment straps operable to selectively attach the clip-on bag anddetach the clip-on bag from the backpack body.
 3. The convertible petcarrying and backpacking backpack of claim 2, further comprisingconversion guide loops disposed on the backpack body, wherein when theupper attachment straps of the clip-on bag extend through the conversionguide loops, the clip-on bag is oriented in the second position.
 4. Theconvertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of claim 3, whereinthe conversion guide loops are disposed on the front of the backpackbody.
 5. The convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of claim4, wherein the conversion guide loops are disposed above the shoulderstraps and below the paw holes.
 6. The convertible pet carrying andbackpacking backpack of claim 1, wherein the accessory bag covers thepaw holes in the second position preventing water from entering the oneor more internal compartments through the open top and the paw holes. 7.The convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack of claim 1,further comprising waist straps operable to transfer weight of thebackpack to the waist or hips of a user.
 8. The convertible pet carryingand backpacking backpack of claim 1, further comprising a waste bagdispenser comprising: a bag container sized and configured to receiveand store one or more waste bags; a recloseable opening in communicationwith the bag container to facilitate loading and unloading of the one ormore waste bags into and out of the bag container; and an outlet incommunication with the bag container for facilitating the dispensing ofthe one or more waste bags from the bag container.
 9. The convertiblepet carrying and backpacking backpack of claim 8, wherein the outletcomprises a grommet.
 10. The convertible pet carrying and backpackingbackpack of claim 9, wherein the grommet comprises one or more resilientflaps that function to impart a clamping force to a waste bag beingdispensed through the grommet.
 11. A pet carrying backpack comprising: abackpack body defining one or more internal compartments and an open topoperable to allow a head of a pet to extend therethrough; shoulderstraps extending from a front of the backpack body; paw holes disposedon the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps, the pawholes operable to allow paws of the pet to extend therethrough; and awaste bag dispenser comprising an outlet operable to facilitate a wastebag disposed in the waste bag dispenser to be removed from the waste bagdispenser through the outlet.
 12. The pet carrying backpack of claim 11,further comprising waist straps extending from the backpack body, thewaist straps operable to transfer weight of the backpack to the waist orhips of a user, wherein the waste bag dispenser is disposed on the waiststraps.
 13. The pet carrying backpack of claim 11, further comprising aremovable hood operable to attach to and detach from the backpack bodyto protect the head of the pet extending therethrough.
 14. The petcarrying backpack of claim 11, wherein the shoulder straps arevertically adjustable along the front of the backpack body.
 15. The petcarrying backpack of claim 11, further comprising a vertical zipperextending along a back of the backpack body to facilitate ingress of thepet to and egress of the pet from the backpack.
 16. The pet carryingbackpack of claim 15, further comprising a contouring strap extendingacross the vertical zipper.
 17. A method of converting a pet carryingbackpack to a backpacking backpack, the method comprising: positioning aclip-on bag in a first position disposed at a rear of a backpack body;moving the clip-on bag to a second position disposed over an open top ofthe backpack body to cover the open top and to cover paw holes disposedon a front of the backpack body above shoulder straps extending from thefront of the backpack body, the clip-on bag preventing water fromentering the open top and the paw holes while in the second position;and securing the clip-on bag in the second position.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the clip-on bag is positioned in the first position byclipping attachment straps of the clip-on bag to corresponding receivingclips disposed on the backpack body.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinthe clip-on bag is moved to the second position by feeding theattachment straps of the clip-on bag through conversion guide loopsdisposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps andbelow the paw holes.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the clip-on bagis secured in the second position by attaching the attachment straps tothe corresponding receiving clips while the attachment straps aredisposed through the conversion guide loops.